DHL Supply Chain is continuing to invest in emerging markets and fast-growing economies amid the growing trend for omni-sourcing.

On July 12, it announced an investment of €500 million (US$561.68 million) into what it described as "strategically located Latin American markets."

DHL Supply Chain noted that these investments made until 2028 are supposed to strengthen its operations in Latin America with projects in the pipeline, including decarbonizing the domestic fleet through greener alternatives; building, developing and retrofitting its real estate assets and warehouses in the market.

Significant investments were also made into new technologies, robotics and automation solutions intended to improve workplaces whilst at the same time making operations more effective, flexible and resilient for customers.

The global logistics brand noted that the investment is part of DHL Supply Chain's strategic investment plan to further strengthen logistics capabilities in high-demand sectors, such as healthcare, automotive, technology, retail, and e-commerce.

"Companies all around the globe are looking for more diversified sourcing and supply chain strategies by bringing stock points closer to their production and sales markets. Therefore we see increasing demand for logistics support in Mexico, Brazil and the other strategic markets in Latin America," said Oscar de Bok, Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain.

de Bok explained that the trend of investing in multiple source points closer to the large sales markets — called omni-sourcing — helps industry customers to build more resilient, robust and flexible supply chains to better cater to the needs of their end customers.

"That is why we are strategically investing in our logistics infrastructure in Latin America and those geographies that are strategically located and equipped to play a vital role in global trade," the DHL Supply Chain executive added.

With the investment into its Latin America infrastructure, the DHL Supply Chain is now complementing a long-standing history of strategic investments, acquisitions, and partnerships in the region.

It noted that not only does the geographical proximity to large consumer markets in North America make the region a springboard to accelerate further growth, but DHL said Latin America is also the region's own booming sales market which makes it attractive for industries to invest and therewith request additional logistics support.

"At DHL Supply Chain, we are fortunate to be an essential part of daily life; we are more than 40,000 people in this region, and each of us is a unique link that contributes positively to the industry, supporting each of our clients with whom we always seek sustainable growth and long-term relationships. This is THE moment for Latin America, and we must take advantage of it," said Agustin Croche of DHL Supply Chain Mexico.

Following the announcement of the investment de Bok and Croche also inaugurated a new Center of Excellence for Electric Vehicles, with the participation of Mario Rodríguez, president of DHL Supply Chain in Mexico and Fathi Tlatli, global president of the Automotive Sector for DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.

DHL said the mission of this new EV centre is to provide synergy to the automotive industry in the region.

DHL has more than 240 locations, and it continues to increase its operation in the region.